Movable motion picture screen and appurtenances thereto



March 14, 1939. v. c, DE YBARRoNDo 2,150,543

MOTIION PICTURE SCREEN AND APPURTENNCES THERETO l MovAsLE Filed Jan. 21, 193e 2 sheets-sheer 1 f oo\\ S Qu md March 14, 1939.` v. c. DE YBARRONDO MOVBLE MOTION PICTURE SCREEN AND APPURTENA-NES THERETO Filed Jan. 21, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet A34 has) 6. v

fea-,

[/v VENTO/e I//NcE/vr C. de VA/QRo/voo A Trop/Vey Patented ManI '14, 1939 UNITED STATES MovABLn MOTION VHernan SCREEN .um

APPURTENANCES 'mannaro Vincent C. de Ybarrondo, Los Angeles, Calif., assig-nor to Patco, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., a. corporation of California Application January 21, 193s, semi No. acosa My invention relates in general to the art of producing and displaying motion pictures, and in particular relates to. the display of composite scenes comprising both physical objects and projected images. p

It is a primary object 'of the invention to provide in combination with a motion picture projector, apparatus which operates to add more realistic effects to the scenes portrayed and to the sound effects accompanying the scene'thanis possible by the projection of ordinary sound films on the ordinary type of motion picture screen.

It is an object of the invention to provide a greater illusory eilect of movement of an object in a projected scene by providing a movable screen which moves relative to the audience viewin'gftlie scene in a direction and manner which agrees with the portrayed action in the projected image.

It is another object of the invention to provide in connection with a movable motion picturescreen, an apparatus including a directional pro-` jectorwhich is movable to project an image on the screen, and control mechanism for synchronizing the movement of the screen and the projector with the movement of the film through the projector. l

It is another-object ofthe invention to provide an apparatus including a movable screen and a directional projector, in combination with an electrically energizable means for moving theV screen and the projector, and control mechanism mcluding means forA making and breaking the circuit to selectively energize the energisaole means in synchronism with the lt is a further object oi the invention to pro-v vide in combination with a projector for nse with a sound motion picture film; an apparatus including a plurality of electrically eneraisahle means connected in a circuit, which includes a selector switch, operable to successively energize the energizable means, a control mechanism operable when actuated through a second circuit to operate the selector switch, the second circuit being periodically completed by means associated with the film lmoving through the projector whereby the energizable means are selectively energized in synchronism with the nlm.

A :further object of the invention resides in providing in the combination described in the above paragraph, a sound circuit including a plurality of sound reproducers or .speakers operated in connection with the sound strip on the lxn, the speakers likewise being selectively energized by a selector switch operated by the menu tioned control mechanism whereby the various energizable means andthe various speakers are selectively energized in. synchronism with the action of the image projected from the illm and with the sound produced from the sound strip thereof.

It is a further object of the'invention to provide a motion picture screen comprising one or more portions havingr contour and depth repre senting one or more physical objects and another at portion upon which is projected an image forming a continuation of one of said physical objects.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel method of producing a plurality of successive images on a screen which images form portions of a movable figure partly concealed behind the screen.

@ther objects of the invention as well as additional features thereof will be more apparent from a perusal of the following part of the specification in connection with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

in the drawings,

Fig. l is a wiring diagram of the complete system which embodies the features of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a detailof a switch means associated with the nlm moving through the projector ineluded in the system, the switch means being eiectiveto periodically make and break a circuit for actuating the control means oi the invention.

Fig. is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating the manner in which a number of conductors may he electrically connected to any of the Contact members of the selector'v switch or the sequence switch respectively shown in` Figs. l. and 3.

Fig. f3; is an elevational view partly in section illustrating the manner in which electrically energizahle means, such as motors, are utilized to A `move the rectional projector of the invention.

Figs. 5l 6, 7, t, Q, and l0 are utility views illustrating the manner in which the apparatus comprsing' my invention may he used to 'obtain illusory eects in the display of composite scenes, the apparatus comprising a movable screen and various physical appurtenances together with projected. images.

Referring at @rst to Figs. l and 21ny invention in general comprises an apparatus i t in combination .with a projection apparatus il for projecting .niccessive images of a standard motion Y picture Bini on a screen. The projection appara- -tns i2, 'which may be standard equipment, in-

cludes a projector i3 and a lamp housing M. For

simplicity, I will hereinafter refer to the projection apparatus as a .projector.

The apparatus includes a. main circuit I5, a plurality of electrically energizable means generally designated by the numeral I6, a selector switch I1 operable to selectively complete the circuit through one or more of these energizable means, control mechanism generally designated by the numeral I8, and a switch means I8, shown in detail in Fig. 2, adapted to be connected in a secondary circuit 28, shown in Fig. 1, which circuit when closed actuates the control mechamsm I8, in a manner to be hereinafter described.

The electrically energizale means IB includes in the practice of my invention various electrical devices, such as one or more motors 2|, one or more incandescent lamps 22, one or more electrical bells 23, and one or more solenoids 24..

The selector switch I1 includes a plurality of stationary contacts which I have shown as eight in number. 'I'hese contacts which I have designated by the consecutive letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H are preferablytarranged in a circle as shown in the diagram in Fig. l. The selector switch I1 includes a movable contact 28 mounted on a shaft 28 so positioned with respect to the contacts A to H that when the shaft 28 is rotated the movable contact will successively engage the contacts A to H. The movable contact 25 is provided with a collector ring 28 engageable by a brush 28. The brush 28 is connected by a conductor 38 included in the main circuit I8 to one side of a potential source 8|, or, it desired, to one side of the secondary of a transformer 32, the primary of which is connected across the source 3|.

Each of the electrical devices 2|, 22, 23, and 24 is connected in parallel to a conductor 35, included in the main circuit I5, respectively by conductors 38, 81, 38, and I8, as shown. Connected respectively to the other side of each of these devices are conductors 48, 4I, 42, and 43. Each of these conductors, 48 to 43, inclusive, is preferably provided with a plurality of branch conductors. For instance, the conductor 48 may be provided with conductors 88a, 48h, and 48e to the respective ends of which are secured plugs 45. Similarly, plugs 48 are electrically secured to the branch conductors of each of the other conductors 4|, 42, and 43, as shown. These branch conductors are provided so that the respective conductors 48 to 48 inclusive may be selectively connected to any of the contacts A. B, C, D, E, F, G or H. Fior instance, the branch conductors 48a, 48h, and 48o of the conductor 48 may be respectively connected to the contacts A, B, and C. It

will be seen that when the brush 28 engages the contact A, B, or C, the motor 2| will be energized.

Any manner of support for the contacts A to H, inclusive, and any suitable means for connecting the branch conductors to the respective contacts may be utilized. I have shown, however, in Fig. 3, one form of structure by which these functions may be accomplished. Referring to Fig. 3, I show an insulating panel 88 into which the contacts, auch as the contact A, are set, as shown, so as to be engageable by the rotating movable contact 2l. .Secured to the back of the panel Il is a multiple jack 8| adapted to receive' a plurality of the plugs 48. The multiple jack 8l is electrically secured to the contact A in any suitable manner, such as by riveting or soldering -to an extension arm which may be formed integrally with the contact A. The extension arm 52 is preferably elongated to extend beyond the edge of the panel I8 to anord means for permanently connecting certain conductors, as indicated in Fig. 3, for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

The control mechanism I8 includes the shaft 28, which shaft is supported by one or more suitable brackets 68. Secured to the shaft 28 is a gear 6| which meshes with a pinion 62, which in turn is securedto a stub-shaft i3 supported by suitable brackets 84. Mounted on the shaft 83 is a slip clutch 65, comprising a driven part 66, and a drive disc G1 which is freely rotatable on the shaft 83 in engagement with the driven part 4B8. Secured to the drive disc 81 is a pulley 88,

constantly driven by a belt 68 extending from a pulley 10, mounted on the drive shaft of a motor 1|. The drive disc 81 is constantly urged against the driven part 86 by a spring 12 surrounding the shaft 63 and confined between a pin 13, extending through the shaft 63, and a shoulder of the pulley 88, substantially in the manner shown. Provided on the driven part 86 is an annular shoulder 15, in the periphery of which is provided a notch 18 which is engageable by a plunger 11 secured to the core of a solenoid 18, indicated diagrammatically in Fig. l. The motor 1I is constantly driven and may be connected to the potential source 3| in the manner shown,

In the operation of the control mechanism I8, the drive disc 81 is constantly driven and the -driven part 66 is held against rotation by the plunger 11. It will be seen that a momentary electrical impulse energizing the solenoid 18 will withdraw the plunger 11 from the notch I6 and permit the slip clutch 65 to rotate the driven part 66. It is intended that only one rotation of the driven part 86 will occur for each energization of the solenoid 18, the momentary electrical impulse delivered to the solenoid 18 enduring only a suflicient length of time to draw the plunger 11 from the notch 18 to permit the rotation of the driven part 68 to start, the plunger 11 being forced into the notch 1.6, at the completion of one revolution of the driven member, by a spring 18 confined between the body of the solenoid 18 and a shoulder provided on the plunger 11. Likewise, it is intended that the ratio of the gear 6| and the pinion 63 will be such that one complete revolution of the driven member 88 will advance the movable contact 25 from the intermediate position between two of the contacts of the selector switch l1 into engagement with the next succeeding contact in the direction of its travel, indicated by the arrow 82 of Fig. 1.

The momentary electrical impulse is delivered to the solenoid 18 for the actuation of the control mechanism I8 through the secondary circuit 28 which is connected to the potential source 3| through a transformer 85.

The. means of the invention for periodically completing the secondary circuit 28 comprises the switch means I8, shown in Fig. 2, which includes a contractor 88, adapted to bridge a pair of contacts 81 and which is preferably connected in the circuit 28 by a plug and jack indicated at 88 in Figs. 1 and 2. The contacter 86 of the switch I8 may be mounted on an insulated bar 88 which is supported by a bracket 88 suitably secured to the housing of the projector so as to support the bar 88 in a position perpendicular to the plane of a film 8| as it travels through the projector I3 Rotatably mounted on the end of the bar 88 is a,

roller 82 which engages the edge 83 of the film 8|, substantially in the manner shown. The bar 88 is constantly urged toward the edge 83 of the film by a spring 84 surrounding the bar 88 and confined between the bracket 8l and a pin ex- Tit Aso

Y selector switch I1 in the main circuit I5.

attacca tending through the bar or by other suitable means for accomplishing this purpose. Formed Ain the edge 93 of the film 0I at certain predetermined positions relative to the frames of the nlm are notches 00 which are of such a contour that the roller @t momentarily drops into the notches 'and immediately rises again to the edge 03 as the film moves through the projector. This dropping of thevroller into the notches S5 momentarily completes the secondary circuit 20 through the contacts dll so that a momentary electrical impulse is delivered to the solenoid l0, as before described.

rThe parts thus tar described comprise an automatic apparatus for selectively energizing one or more o the electrically energizable means, such as the motor l, lamp 22, bells 23, and the solenoids 20, which are connected in parallel in the main circuit i5.

It should be clear that any of the described electrically energizable means may be connected with any of the contacts A to H inclusive so that these electrically energizable means may be energized in any desired sequence as the movable contact 255 of the selector switch Il is moved to successively engage the contacts A to H. The plurality of conductors, illustrated in Figs. l and 3, such as the conductors 40a, 40h, and 40o, are adapted to be plugged into any of the contacts A to H of the selector switch il, either successively or in any other sequence to yenergize the energizable means 2| to 24, as desired. It should also be clear that the actuation of the control mechanism I8 by the switch I9 which is directly associated with the illmy 0I, as just described, permits the engagement between the movable contact 25 and the contacts A to H 'to be synchronized with the movement of the film through the projector, thus synchronizing the energization of the electrically energizable means 2| to 24inclusive with the movement of the lm through the projector. Y

The-invention also includes a novel sound re-r producing system which comprises a sound circuit |00 in which is connected, in parallel, a pluf instance, as the speakers designated in Fig. 1 by -the letters J, K, L, and M. The sound circuit |00 includes a conductor |0| connected as shown to one terminal connection of each of the speakers J, K, L, M. The other terminal connection of these vspeakers is respectively connected to conductors |02. |03,i|04, and |05. Connected respectively to each of the conductors |02, |03,A |04, and |05 are conductors |02a |03a, |04a, and I 05a. lOne or more of these conductors may be provided with branch conductors, such as the branch conductors |04b and |04c, of the co`nductor |04a, and suchI as the branch conductors |05b and |050 of the conductor |0511. These conductors and branch conductors-are adapted for plug and jack connection to a sequence switch. |00, similar in construction and operation to the The sequence switch' |06y comprises a plurality of segments, characterizedby the letters O, P, Q,r RS, and T these segments being arcuate in form and supported in an insulating panel in relatively insulated relationship, `in a manner similar to the contacts of thevselect'or switch I'I, previously described. No detailed plug and jack arrangement is shown in connection with the sequence switch |00; however, it is preferable to provide each of the segments with a multiple jack similar to the multiple jack 5| utilized, as

shown in Fig. 3, in connection with the selector switch |'l so that the respective plugs 40a., 40h, and 40o, or others in addition, may be utilized to connect any of the energizable means 2| to 24 to the main circuit l5 in any desired sequence through the selector switch ITI. The sequence switch 06 includes a rotary contact |01 which is secured to the shaft 26 lupon which the movable contact 25 of the selector switch |'I is mounted so that these contacts move in synchronism when the shaft 2E is rotated. The rotary contact I0'I is provided with a collector ring |00 engageable by a resilient brush |09. Connected to the brush |09 is a conductor H0, which together with the conductor i0i is connected to the outlet terminals of an amplier i I I, the other side of the amplier being connected through a pair of conductors I2 to a pick-up mechanism, not shown, utilized in connection with a sound strip on the nlm 9|, in a manner Well known tothe art of sound reproduction.

It will be clear that asthe rotary contact |01 rotates to consecutively engage the segments of the sequence switch, the sound reproduced from the sound track of the lm 9| will be delivered first through one of the speakers and then another as the rotary contact moves from one segment of the sequence switch to another. By this means, it is possible to reproduce the sound at will through any of the various speakers which may be respectively associated-with the various electrically energizable means, selectively energized by the selector switch I1.

My invention valso includes a manual control system whereby the operator of the projector I3 may manually actuate the .control mechanism I9 to operate the various electrically energizable means 2|, 22, 23, and 24 and the speakers which may be associated with certain of these devices. The parts comprising the manual control system include a manually operableswitch y| I5 connected in the circuit 20 so that when the plug and jack 88 connecting the switch means I9 with the secondary circuit is disconnected the switch I|5 may be utilized to complete the secondary circuit 20 which delivers an electrical impulse to the solenoid 18 for actuating the control means I8, inthe manner described above.

In order that the operator of the projector v might be aware at all times as to which of the contacts A to 'H' of the selectoi` switch II is ble indicating means for this purpose.

This visible indicator means preferably comprises a plurality of pilot lamps, one for each of the contacts A to H of thel selector 4switch, these pilotlamps being designated in Fig. 1 with the characters a to h, inclusive, to signify their respective relationship with the contacts of the selector switch 1. One terminal of each of the pilot lamps is connected tovone of the contacts of the selector switch I'I, by a conductor, as shown in the diagram, Fig. 1. The other terminal of each of the pilot lamps is connected, as shown', to a conductor IIS which returns to the conductor 35 of the main circuit I5, thus completing the circuit from the conductor 30 through the various contacts of th'e Selector switch II, the pilot lamps, and back to thesecon'dary of the transformer 32.

ing to indicate to the operator which of the con-v tacts is engaged by the movable contact 25, even though a particular contact is not connected to any of the energizable means.

The connection between the conductor leading from the pilot lamp and the contacts A to H of the selector switch, may be made either through the multiple jack 5|, associated with each of these contacts, or may be a permanent connection, as indicated at |I1 in Fig. 3, utilizing for this purpose the outwardly projecting end of the extension arm 52.

There is also preferably provided a manual control whereby the operator oi' the projector I3 may manually select the speaker through which the sound track of the film 9| is reproduced. This is accomplished by extending the conductors |02, |03, |04, and |05 and placing in each of these conductors, at a point accessible to the operator, a switch IIB. Each of the switches IIB is connected to a conductor II9 which in turn is connected to the conductor leading to the amplifier |II. Itwill be seen that -when the conductors I02a to |051 are disconnected from the sequence switch |05, the sound circuit |00 may be completed through any of the speakers J. K, L, or M through one of the switches IIB.

The system preferably includes a cut-out means whereby the operator may disconnect that portion' of the main circuit I5 which energizes the electrically energizable means 2| to 24 inclusive. 'I'his means comprises a switch |20 interposed in the conductor 25 of the main circuit I5, the switch |20 being positioned so as to be accessible to the operator, there being a pair of conductors I2| connecting the switch |20 to the conductor 35 as shown in the diagram, Fig, 1. It will be seen that by .this switch means |20 the operator may disconnect the electrically energizable means from the circuit I without disconnecting the portion ofthe circuit including the pilot lamps so that even when the switch is open the pilot lamps operate to visibly indicate to the operator which of the contacts is engaged by the movable contact 25.

I will now describe various features of the apparatus which are operated by the electrically energizable means 2| to 24 inclusive to illustrate the various uses to which the apparatus thus far described may be applied.

In Fig. 5, I show a movable scren suitably mounted on vertical guide rods, orA wires |25. Operating means in the form of a reel or drum |21 upon which is wound a cable |20, connected to the screen |25 as indicated, is provided for moving the screen |25 vertically on the guide rods |25. One o! the motors 2| may be utilized for rotating the drum |21, the motor and drum being operably connected, as indicated, by a chain or beit |20.

In Pig, 6 I show s horizontally movable motion picture screen |22, mounted for horizontal movement on suitable means, such as s track |2| engageable by rollers |22 secured to the screen |22 for the support thereof. Operating means lor moving the screen |20 on the track |2| is provided and may include a cable |22 looped around a pair of pulleys |24, the opposite ends of the cable |22 being secured to opposite sides of the screen |20,.in the manner indicated. One of the pulleys |24 may be mounted on the drive shaft of a motorf2I, or may be otherwise suitably driven by the motor to cause the screen |22 to travel horizontally on the track |2|.

The movable screens |25 and |25 of ll'lgs. 5 and 6, and the mechanism for operating hthe aisance same., are intended in practice to be utilized to increase the illusory effect of movement of an objectrportrayed on the screen by projection of the nlm 0 I. For instance, the screen IE5, utilized in portraying a balloon ascension, may be moved vertically by energization of the motor 2i while the image of the balloon and the action of characters within the balloon is being projected from the film on the screen, thus serving to create the illusion to, an audience in a theater that the balloon actually ascended from the iloor of the stage and disappeared behind the upper scene of the stage.

Likewise, by the use of the horizontally mow able screen an object such as a train, auto mobile, airplane, or the like may be made to appear to move across a stage and disappear behind the wings thereof. The illusory effect of. portraying such scenes is enhanced by fading out certain portions of the image projected as the movable screen disappears from the view oi the audience behind the scenery.

The invention includes in combination with the movable screen and the apparatus above described for operating the screen in synchronism with the movement of the lm 9| through the projector, operating means for moving the projector |3 to follow the movement of the movable screen.

This means for directionally moving the projector I3 comprises in general a table |40 upon which the projector and lamp housing I4 are mounted, the table I 40 being supported upon a base I4| by a universal mechanism |42. The universal mechanism |42 comprises a lower part |43 pivoted to the base I4I as by a pin |44, so as to swing horizontally', and an upper part |45 pivoted between a pair of upwardly extending wings |46 of the lower part |43 as by a pin |41, so as to swing vertically. For operating the mechanism |42 to swing the projector in any desired direction I provide an operating means including a semi-circular rack |48`formed on the upper part |45, and a worm gear |49 which meshes with the rack |48, the worm gear |49 being mounted on a rotatable shaft |50 journalled in bearings I5| supported by the lower part |42. It will be seen that a rotation of the worm gear |49 by the shaft |50 will serve to swing the projector I2 vertically about the pin |41 an as axis. Formed on the lower part |42 is a circular rack |52 having teeth meshing with a pinion |52 mounted on a shaft |54 suitably journalled, as at |55, on the base I4I. It will be clear that a rotation oi the pinion |52 by the shaft |54 will serve to swing the projector I2 in a horizontal plane about the Cvertical pin |44 oi' the lower part as an axis. A'I'hus when the plugs are connected into the Jacks 5I in a desired sequence, the motors 2| may be caused to move the projector universally to cause the image projected thereby to follow the movement oi' a movable screen.

My invention contemplates both manual and automatic means for rotating the shafts and |54 to move the projector I2. In Fig. 4 I have shown a motor and a gear box |55 mounted on the lower part |42 and associated with the shaft |52 for driving the same. A motor and a gear box-|52 are likewise mounted on the base |4I, and associated with the shaft |54 for `driving this shalt. Esch of these motors may be one ot the energizable means described inconnection with the wiring diagram. Fig. 1, and each is provided with one or more 'of the plugs 45 for connection to the jack of any of the various contacts A to H of the selector switch l1.

It will be seen that by this arrangement the projector i3 may be moved automatically in any desired direction in synchronism with the action protrayed by the projected image of the film 9|. This is accomplished by connecting any of the plurality of plugs 45 of either or both of the projector moving motors 2| into any of the contacts A to I-I of the selector switch il', and providing suitable notches 95 in the film 9i to deliver an electrical impulse through the secondary circuit 2@ to actuate the control mechanism i8 for operating the selector switch to energize either or both of these motors 2| at a predetermined time and for a predetermined duration of operation.

In. the diagram, Fig. 1, I have indicated manually controlled operating means for rotating the shafts d50 and |54 which means comprises a crank or hand wheel |51 formed on each of the shafts. In utilizing this manual control, the operator may by watching the movement of the screen, such as either the screen |30 or |25, so.

manipulate one or both of the cranks |51 that the projector I3 will be swung to follow the movement of the screen, or move an image in various directions.

In Fig. 7 I show somewhat diagrammatically a stage Setting which for purposes of description I will term a screen |60 which includes a iiat portion |6|, which comprises the back drop of the setting and upon which a projected image may' be projected; there being other portions of the screen having depth and contour, such, for instance, as a stand |62 having a lamp 63 thereon, a picture |65 hanging on the back Y drop representing a wall, and a door |56 cut in this back drop. By utilizing a screen of this character, a scene may be portrayed which comprises composite action of a projected figure and the various physical objects just described. For instance, a projected image may be made to appear to enter the door |66, kick the stand |62 so that the lamp and stand crash to the floor, and perhaps shoot the picture |65 from the wall. The movement of physical objects, such as opening .and closing of the door, the crash of the stand and lamp and the picture as just described, in synchronlsm with the action of the projected image, is accomplished by the use of my apparatus. The door |66 may be opened and closed by one or more of the solenoids- 24 described in connection with the wiring diagram, Fig.v v1. Likewise, the movement of the stand may be accomplished by one of the solenoidsu vattached by a wire to the Stand. So also, a peg -upon which the picture |65 is hung upon the wall may be removed to cause the picture to fall by action of one of the solenoids 24.

The invention likewise contemplates a form of screen having one or more portions having contour and depth representing one or more physical objects, such as the body portion |10 of a dummylgure |1|, shown diagrammaticaliy in Fig. v8; and having another more or,less iiat portion |12 upon which may be projected an image of a movable portion of the physical object, such as the face of the figure |1|. Various means for providing motion to the dummy igure |1| in synchronism with movement of the nlm 9| may be arranged; for instance, a truck |13 upon which the dummy gure is mounted may be driven by one of the motors 2|, and" one or both ofthe arms of the VAdummy figure may be caused to move by hinges (not shown) located in the shoulder or elbow A|14 of the arms which hinges are operated by one or more of the solenoids 2li.

Fig. 9 illustrates the manner in which a novel method is utilized to display a composite figure comprising physical'portions and projected images. In this connection, a small portable screen |80 is supported by a person in any suitable manner such as by straps across the shoulders so that various portions of the persons anatomy, such as the head Isl, the armsl |82, and the feet 83 are visible as indicated in the drawing. In this arrangement the portion of the persons iigure hidden behind the screen |80 is projected upon the screen. The directional mechanism for moving the projector I3 is utilized, as above described, to follow the movement of the screen |80 carried by the iigure. The display of such a composite figure is accomplished by my novel method, which comprises the steps Soi', rst, exposing a negative film to obtain a succession of negative images of the figure on a nlm; second, matting out portions of the images of the figure corresponding to those portions of the figure not intended to be concealed behind the screen; third, making a positive iilm from the matted negative; and, fourth, projecting an image of the positive nlm on the screen partly concealing a like gure.

Various other uses of my apparatus to assist in creating an illusion of movement of objects portrayed by a projected image on a screen `include, suitable mechanism for moving the chairs upon which the audience is seated in synchronism with the action portrayed on the screen. Fig.,

means or the projector operating means utilized to produce' any of the eiects discussed in connection with Figs. 5 to 10, inclusive, may be selectively energized in synchronism with the action portrayed by the projected image of -the lm 9|..

Likewise, certainiof the sound reproducers J, K, L, or M, which might be associated with certain of the arrangements disclosed in Figs. 5 to 10 may be selectively energized at will. o

I have disclosed the mechanism comprising various parts of my apparatus in simple diagram-r matic form in connection with the Wiring diagram, Fig. 1.` It should be understood, however, that I do not intend the invention to be limited to these specific mechanical arrangements shown and mentioned in the specification. It should be remembered that the true vscope of the invention should be interpreted by the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:`

1. In combination with a. projector ior use with a Vmoving picture lm: Vmechanism supporting said projector for universal pivotal movement;

a movable screen; mechanism for moving saidA j screen in synchronism with said moving picture nlm; and operating means for moving said projector to follow the lsaid movable screen.`

2. In combination with a projector for use with .a moving picture nlm: a support for said projector including means for universally pivoting said projector on two axes perpendicular to each other; separate operating means for pivoting said projector on each of said axes; a movable screen; screen-operating means for moving said screen; and control mechanism in synchronism with said film for automatically actuating said screen-operating means and selectively actuating said projector operating means whereby the projected beam from said projector follows said movable screen.

3. In combination with a. projector for use with a moving picture film: mechanism supporting said projector for universal pivotal movement; a movable screen; screen-operating means for moving said screen; a main electric circuit for actuating said screen-operating means; control mechanism for closing and opening said main circuit; a secondary circuit; means associated with said film for closing said secondary circuit to actuate said control mechanism; and projector operating means for moving said projector to cause the projected beam to follow the movement of said screen.

4. In combination with a projector for use with a moving picture film: a support for said projector including means for universally pivoting' said projector on two axes perpendicular to each other; separate operating means for pivoting said projector on each of said axes; a movable screen; screen-operating means for moving said screen; a main electric circuit; a selector switch in said circuit for selectively actuating said screen-operating means and either or both of said projector operating means whereby the projected beam from said projector is automatically caused to follow the movement of said screen; control mechanism for closing and .opening said selector switch; and a secondary circuit including means associated with said nlm for closing said secondary circuit to actuate said control mechanism.

'- 5. In combination with a projector for use with a moving picture nlm: a support for said projector including meansfor universally pivoting said projector o n two axes perpendicular to each other; separate operating means for pivotingr said projector on each of said axes; a movable screen comprising portions having contour and depth representing physical objects and another flat portion upon which is projected an image of movable portions of said physical objects; screen-operating means for moving said screen; and control mechanism in synchronism with said nlm for' automatically actuating said screen-operating means and selectively actuating said projector operating means whereby the pro- Jected beam from said projector follows said movable screen.

avisame 6. In combination with a projector for use with a moving picture nlm: mechanism supporting said projector for universal pivotal movement; a movable screen comprising portions having contour and depth representing physical objects and another flat portion upon which is projected an image forming a continuation of one of said physical objects; screen-operating means for moving said screen; a main electric circuit for actuating said means; control mechanism for closing and opening said main circuit; a secondary circuit; means associated with said lm for closing said secondary circuit to actuate said control mechanism; and projector operating means for moving said projector to cause the projected beam to follow the movement of said screen.

'i'. In combination with a projector for use with a moving picture nlm: mechanism supporting said projector for universal pivotal movement; projector-operating means for moving said projector; a movable screen; screen-operating means for moving said screen; and control mechanism operable in synchronism with said iilm for automatically actuating said screen-operating means and projector-operating means whereby the projected beam from said projector follows said movable screen.

8. In combination with a projector for use with a moving picture film: mechanism for movablyl supporting said projector; a movable screen; mechanism operable in synchronism with the scene portrayed by said film for moving said screen; and operating means for automatically moving said projector to project said iilm on said moving screen.

9. In `combination with a projector for use with a moving picture lm: mechanism for movably supporting said projector; a movable screen; sound reproducing means associated with said movable screen and operable in connection with a sound strip on said film; mechanism operable in synchronism with the scene portrayed by said lm for moving said screen; and operating means for automatically moving said .projector to project said iilm on said movinv screen.

10. In' combination with a projector for use with a moving picture nlm: mechanism supporting said projector for universal pivotal movement; a movable screen; sound reproducing means associated with said movable screen and .operable in connection with a sound strip on said nlm.; mechanism for moving said screen in synchronism with said movable film; and operating means for moving said projector to follow the said movable screen.

VINCENT C. n: YBARRONDO.

screen-operating 

